Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park also referred to as the ‘’True African Wilderness’’ following the scenic landscape and abundant wildlife it boasts is perhaps one of the best protected areas on the African continent. The large part of the Park is open tree savanna. This Park in northeastern Uganda, Kaboong district, is most famous for its natural unique beauty and varied wildlife and birdlife – with approximately 500 bird species, making it the second Park in Uganda holding the hugest number of bird species after Queen Elizabeth National Park which has over 600 bird species.
Attractions:
Kidepo hosts a wide diversity of wildlife which even consists of four of Africa’s famed big five – African Lions, Cape Buffaloes, Savanna Elephants, and African Leopards. Very many other wildlife species are also resided in this beautiful Park, some of which are; cheetahs (only found here in Uganda), bat-eared fox, stripped hyena, caracals, spotted hyenas, black-backed and side-stripped jackals. The Park is also home to chandlers, mountain reedbucks, plain zebras, bush pigs, Rothschild giraffes, wild dogs, bushbucks, Uganda Kob, Jackson’s Hartebeests, and the common elands (only found here and in Lake Mburo National Park).
The experienced and knowledgeable Park guides are always available at Apoka to aid you in locating and identifying birdlife in the Park’s various habitats. On addition to bird watching, you will also be in a perfect place to enjoy the game viewing activity as the Park inhabits almost every African wildlife species.
Game viewing is interesting throughout the year and many other activities in the Park, such as mountain climbing, photographing, birding, nature walks, culture encounters, and others. Game viewing is possible by a 4WD vehicle on dirt roads that crisscross the southern and western parts of the park. A few trunk roads are in a good condition and are passable in all weathers.
On your cultural encounters here you will be able to interact with one of the best tribes to interact with in Africa, the Karamajongs. These are renowned traditional pastoralists and you will be able to visit the Karamajong Manyatas (cow dung homesteads) – their traditional homes and also learn more about their culture. You can also visit the IK people who still live in a very traditional manner in relative seclusion high atop Morungole Mountain.
Accommodations in Kidepo Valley National Park:
Kidepo is one of the most explored Parks in Uganda and it comprises of accommodations of all types – luxury, midrange, and budget options. Some of the accommodation within Kidepo are; Adere Safari Lodge, Apoka Safari Lodge, Kidepo Savanna Lodge, Nga Moru Wilderness Camp, Apoka Rest Camp. Your travel budget and desires decides the choice of accommodation to include in trip’s package. Most of the Park’s accommodations are designed and constructed with both local and traditional materials to merge with the Park’s natural environment. Most of the accommodations situated within the Park offer stunning views over the wilderness.
